Four Irish Players Named In Lions Starting XV To Play Crusaders This Weekend

Four Ireland internationals have been named in the Lions starting XV to play the Crusaders on Saturday.

Conor Murray and Sean O'Brien both make their first appearances of the tour. O'Brien has been named as openside in a backrow which also features Peter O'Mahony. The Munster man came off the bench in the defeat to the Blues on Wednesday.

After stepping off the bench in the win against the Provincial Barbarians last weekend, Tadhg Furlong will make his first start of the tour.

Lions team to play Crusaders

15. Stuart Hogg
14. George North
13. Jonathan Davies
12. Ben Te'o
11. Liam Williams
10. Owen Farrell
9. Conor Murray

1. Mako Vunipola
2. Jamie George
3. Tadhg Furlong
4. Alun Wyn Jones (Captain)
5. George Kruis
6. Peter O'Mahony
7. Sean O'Brien
8. Toby Faletau

There are three Irish players among the replacements with Jack McGrath, CJ Stander and Johnny Sexton named.

McGrath and Stander, in particular, were impressive in defeat to the Blues.

Replacements:

16. Ken Owens
17. Jack McGrath
18. Dan Cole
19. Maro Itoje
20. CJ Stander
21. Rhys Webb
22. Johnny Sexton
23. Anthony Watson

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